SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Prepared at the 19th JECFA (1975), published in NMRS 55B (1976) and in
FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th
JECFA (2002). An ADI not limited' was established at the 9th JECFA (1965)

SYNONYMS Caustic soda, lye, sodium hydrate, INS No. 524

DEFINITION
Chemical names Sodium hydroxide

C.A.S. number 1310-73-2

Chemical formula NaOH

Formula weight 40.00

Assay Not less than 95.0% of total alkali calculated as NaOH

DESCRIPTION White or nearly white pellets, flakes, sticks, fused masses or other forms

FUNCTIONAL USES Alkali

CHARACTERISTICS
IDENTIFICATION

Solubility (Vol. 4) Very soluble in water; freely soluble in ethanol

Test for alkali A 1 in 100 solution of the sample is strongly alkaline

Test for sodium (Vol. 4) Passes test

PURITY

Water insoluble 1 g of the sample dissolves completely in 20 ml of water and gives a clear
substances and colourless solution

Carbonate Not more than 3% as sodium carbonate

Each ml of 1 N sulfuric acid required between the phenolphthalein and
methyl orange end-points in the Method of assay is equivalent to 106.0 mg
of Na2CO3

Lead (Vol. 4) Not more than 2 mg/kg

Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the
specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample
preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in
Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”
.
METHOD OF Dissolve about 1.5 g of the sample, accurately weighed, in 40 ml of recently
ASSAY boiled and cooled water, cool to 15o, add phenolphthalein TS and titrate
with 1 N sulfuric acid. At the discharge of the pink colour, record the volume
of acid required, then add methyl orange TS and continue to titrate to a
persistent pink colour. Record the total volume of acid required for the
titration. Each ml of 1 N sulfuric acid is equivalent to 40.00 mg of total alkali,
calculated as NaOH.